Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? No (Applied subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4
What is Science in Practice?
Science in Practice allows students to explore topics across all strands of science including forensic science; experimental design; sustainable food production and energy; life on other planets; myth busting and communicating science. It develops students' skills in systematic thinking, critical and creative reasoning, research, analysis and evaluation.
Assessment will be in the form of exams, written investigation reports, and projects that involve written components as well as performing practical skills, communicating and collaborating.
Studying Science in Practice can lead to employment in animal welfare, food technology, forensic science, health and medicine, recreation and tourism, research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the resources sector.
What makes a student suited to Science in Practice?
Science in Practice is suited to anyone with an interest in Science who may or may not prefer a particular area of Science. It will suit students who do not wish to follow an ATAR pathway but can also suit those who wish to seek an ATAR and are already selecting four general subjects.
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?
No assumed knowledge is necessary but a satisfactory level of success in Junior Science is an advantage. Course entrance will be determined through Year 9 Math exit grade.
What is the cost of this subject?
Nil
What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
- 2 x A4 Exercise books (minimum 96 page)
- BYOD laptop
What do students study in Science in Practice and how are they assessed?
| | | Unit Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 1
| Forensic Science
Students investigate a range of forensic techniques used by scientists and their origins in historical scientific practices. AdBusters Are the claims made by advertising companies testable? And are they telling the truth? Students critically analyse claims made by a range of products and investigate the validity of these claims.
| Exam
Student Experiment
|
| | Semester 2 | Communicating Science
Students look at the scientific concepts behind performing a science show and communicating scientific understandings to an audience. Mission to Mars
What factors need to be considered before populating a new planet?
Students design a liveable habitat for humans on Mars. | Presentation
Project- folio
|
| Year 11 | Unit 1 | You're Driving Me Nuts
Students pick a concept car and analyse potential safety Be a Sport Science
Survival Fitness Challenge. What physiological processes are required for a human to perform at their optimal level.
| Examination
Project — folio
|
| | Unit 2
| Urban Gardens
What are some problems caused by overgrowing population? Students
investigate possible solutions. Drinking from the toilet
Why, and how we treat water? Students look at the availability of water on Earth and what scientists are doing to ensure fresh, clean water is available for all.
| Project — folio
Examination
|
| Year 12 | Unit 3
| You Are What You Eat
Students investigate the transfer of energy from food through our body systems.
Bug Alert
Are all microorganisms harmful? In this unit students look at the important role 'bugs' play in our everyday lives.
| Examination
Project—Folio
|
| | Unit 4
| Renewable Energy Sources
What is the future of energy production on our planet? How can we continue to produce energy to meet our needs in a sustainable way? Why so much space?
Students critically analyse claims made by experts about the possibility of another lifeform existing in our Universe | Project — folio
Examination
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